Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – May 2024

As we close another academic year, I find myself reflecting on the collective achievements and challenges that have marked our journey together over the last academic year. The end of the semester brings with it the joy of graduation—a significant milestone where we celebrated the hard work and success of conferring 8,139 degrees, including to 1,874 graduates who were the first in their families to earn college degrees, and 4,361 graduates from our own state of Connecticut.

This is a time of year that we recognize faculty excellence across multiple dimensions of our work, and you’ll see the recipients of various awards listed below. I’d like to highlight the 91 faculty who were awarded tenure and/or promotion by the Board of Trustees at their April meeting, and thank all of the faculty and staff who engaged in and supported this process. I’m especially thrilled that our colleague Professor Nora Berrah of Physics was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Her achievements as a scientist exemplify the excellence and impact of our faculty, and I am especially grateful for her tireless advocacy on behalf of women in science.

These achievements remind us of the resilience and dedication within our community, even in times that test our strength and spirit. As we move into the summer, I recognize that the paths ahead may vary—some may engage in research, others may teach, write, or take time to rest. Many of our staff will be working diligently throughout the summer to prepare for the coming year, but I do hope everyone finds time to relax and recharge. Whatever your plans, I am grateful for your continued commitment to our university community and the care you extend to our students and to each other.

Celebrating Promotion and Tenure of 91 Faculty

The University of Connecticut Office of the Provost is pleased to announce the award of promotion and/or tenure to 91 faculty across its multiple campuses.

Evaluations for promotion, tenure, and reappointment apply the highest standards of professional achievement in scholarship, teaching, and service for each faculty member evaluated. Applications for promotion and tenure are reviewed at the department level, school or college level, and finally at the Office of the Provost before recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Trustees.

Faculty Consulting Reminder

Please Submit New Requests for the Reporting Year That Begins May 23, 2024

The reporting year for faculty consulting ends on May 22, in alignment with the 9-month faculty contract. If you have continuing activities or any summer remunerated external activities, you can submit these at any time. Consulting requests only run through a single year (May 23 through May 22 the following year), so any ongoing activities require that you submit a consulting request for the next year.

  Any faculty affiliated companies require a consulting request each year, regardless of whether you anticipate you will have effort in the year ahead. Whenever possible, submit consulting requests for all faculty affiliated companies at least one week before the start of the next reporting year.

  Consulting requests can be reconciled at any time after an activity is completed, or after the end of the reporting year. In late August a reminder will be sent for any approved consulting activities approved for the current year (FY24) that have not been reconciled. You do not have to wait for these reminders to reconcile your requests.

  If you need assistance with faculty consulting, please reach out to Sarah Croucher, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs (sarah.croucher@uconn.edu).

Scholastic Standing and Dismissal By-Law Change to Effective Fall 2024

During a regular meeting on April 1, 2024, the University Senate passed a motion presented by the Senate Scholastic Standards Committee initiating several changes to the Bylaws, Rules & Regulations of the University Senate II.E.13. Scholastic Standing & Dismissal. The University Senate Bylaws, Rules & regulations will be updated to reflect this change during the summer months, as the current bylaws on Scholastic Standing & Dismissal remain in effect through the Spring 2024 semester.

Please review the full motion and learn more about this change on the University Senate website.

Transition of HuskyCT Courses from OCV to UCV in Blackboard

Plans are underway to transition HuskyCT courses from Blackboard’s old Original Course View (OCV) to the updated Ultra Course View (UCV). The near-term goal is to have all 1000- and 2000-level courses using Ultra Course View at the start of the Fall 2024 semester. To meet this goal, ITS and CETL would like to remind faculty of this effort and that help is available to all who want it.

The main reason for this upgrade is to keep the HuskyCT platform up to date. If instructors do not begin using the new Ultra Course View, their courses in Original Course View will likely experience an increasing number of issues. The new Ultra Course View is a modern, user-friendly LMS. Most instructors and students who already use UCV have reported that it is a much better experience. Faculty find UCV easier to teach with and students find UCV easier to learn from. To that end, ITS and CETL are making an effort to move HuskyCT courses to the new version and provide as much support as is possible to faculty.

Very simple courses can often be migrated automatically requiring minimal cleanup by faculty. More involved courses might require additional corrections. Highly complex courses that use advanced features often do not migrate well using the available tools. In these cases, rebuilding the course in Ultra might be an instructor's best option.

To get started, faculty can initiate a conversation or course conversion with the ITS and CETL teams by accessing the following form and clicking the button for an Ultra discussion:

HuskyCT Course Copy Request | ITS Services (uconn.edu)

Additionally, the CETL-EdTech website contains information and resources on the Ultra Course View transition:

Ultra Course View in HuskyCT/Blackboard | Educational Technologies (uconn.edu)

This site is actively maintained and will continue to be developed with best practices and additional information as the migration unfolds.

CETL Leadership Update

Dr. Amit Savkar’s term as Interim Associate Vice Provost will be ending on May 23, and we will plan to launch a search to appoint a new permanent leader early in the fall semester.

Since becoming interim AVP in August, Dr. Savkar has provided steady leadership and guidance for CETL through a period of transition and uncertainty. He was instrumental in standing up new pop-up courses, building on faculty development programming, and sustaining excellence in support structures for student success. His innovation and forward thinking approach brings a wealth of new ideas and value to our work in the division of Academic Affairs. We are grateful to Dr. Savkar for his dedication to enhancing educational practices at UConn and look forward to continued collaborations.

As Dr. Savkar concludes his term, he will shift his primary focus to teaching and continue his work with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) on equitable teaching in mathematics. This initiative, which has been impactful at our regional campuses, is now expanding to the Storrs campus. Additionally, Dr. Savkar will focus on integrating the regional Q centers with the one at Storrs campus and scaling the training for tutors across all regional campuses. His ongoing commitment to educational excellence will undoubtedly enhance our university community.

UConn ID Template to Change

The University permits the One Card Office to print an individual’s chosen name on the back of the UConn issued identification card. Currently, the University procedure is to display one’s legal name on the front of the card. Formal requests were submitted to remove the legal name from the card or at a minimum, place the legal name on the back of the ID and the chosen name on the front. Effective May 14th, chosen names will be moving to the front of the ID card, effectively swapping the location of the names (legal name versus chosen name). This does not apply to UConn Health. Contact onecard@uconn.edu with any questions.

Provost’s Outstanding Service Awards

UConn Provost Announces Awards for Outstanding Service - UConn Today

The University of Connecticut proudly announces the recipients of this year’s Provost’s Outstanding Service Award, a prestigious recognition of faculty members who have exemplified exceptional dedication and contribution to the university’s mission across teaching, research, service, or engagement. Please join us in congratulating the following 2024 awardees in both the Distinguished and Emerging categories. You can read more about each awardee in the UConn Today article.

Distinguished:

Dr. Caroline Dealy, Associate Professor, Departments of Reconstructive Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedic Surgery and Cell Biology

Dr. Steve Zinn, Professor, Department of Animal Science

Emerging:

Dr. Michael Finiguerra, Associate Professor-in-Residence, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Provost’s Awards for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship

The Provost Awards for Excellence in Community-Engaged Scholarship (PAECES) celebrate every year the significant efforts of faculty, staff, students, teams, and community partners who work to address critical community issues through collaborative, mutually beneficial, and creative exchange of knowledge and resources. Please join us in congratulating the following 2024 PAECES winners:

Faculty Category

Emerging Faculty Instructor Award: Stephany Santos

Distinguished Faculty Instructor Award: Dan Burkey

Emerging Faculty Community Impact Award: Tatiana Andreyeva

Distinguished Faculty Community Impact Award: Angela Bermúdez-Millán

Emerging Faculty Research Scholar Award: Roman Shrestha

Distinguished Faculty Research Scholar Award: Richard Pomp

Student Category

Graduate Student Award: Erin Cova
Undergraduate Student Award: Letian Sun

Staff Category

Staff Award: Megan Delaney

Community Partner Category:

Community Partner Award: Auerfarm

Community Partner Award: Herb Virgo, Keney Park Sustainability Project

Community Partner Award: Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN)

Community Partner Award: Donald Swinton

Institutional Transformation Category

Institutional Transformation Award: UConn Writing Center

Institutional Transformation Award: Nadine Brennan, David Embrick, Cynthia Miranda-Donnelly, Janice Castle, and Kim Schwartz, the Research on Resilient Cities, Racism, & Equity Initiative (RRCRE)

2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Awards

The Office of Undergraduate Advising is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Awards, which recognize the extraordinary contributions of undergraduate academic advisors in supporting academic success and student development at the University of Connecticut.

Outstanding Undergraduate New Professional Staff Advisor Award 

Abigail Clark, Academic Advisor, School of Nursing

Jenna Hartwell, Academic Advisor, Student Services (Waterbury)

Outstanding Undergraduate Professional Staff Advisor Award 

Kristen Dostaler, Academic Advisor, CAHNR

Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Advisor Award 
Vida Samuel, Assistant Professor in Residence, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (Stamford)

Reminder: Transitioning from HuskyDM to Interfolio FAR

Faculty should complete entering data into HuskyDM by June 1, 2024. As of that date, data in HuskyDM will begin migrating into FAR and no new additions after June 1 will be included. Administrators will retain access to pull reports from HuskyDM through June 30th, the end date of the HuskyDM contract.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – June 2024

June 21st marked the beginning of summer and with it came a heat wave, thunderstorms, and even a tornado or two. Regardless, I hope you are all enjoying the change of season and finding time to spend outside when the weather permits. While many of us find the summer months quieter on campus, I want to recognize and thank the many staff across our multiple campuses who are working diligently to run summer programs, host orientation sessions, and who are otherwise working to prepare ourselves and our students for the fall. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and I am deeply grateful for your continuous efforts in ensuring our university remains vibrant and welcoming throughout the year. In this regard, I’m looking forward to the arrival of students from East China Normal University in July, and especially the opportunity to co-teach a seminar for them on the visual arts with my SFA colleague Heather Elliott-Famularo.

This summer also brings a few transitions in the Provost’s Office. I’m excited to welcome Tadarrayl Starke, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success, and Leslie Shor, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School, who officially begin their new roles next week on July 1st. Their extensive experience and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success.

As we move through these summer months, let’s take advantage of this time to innovate, collaborate, and prepare for the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Remember to take time when you can to recharge and rejuvenate; your well-being is essential to our success.

Thank you once again for all that you do. I wish you a restful and enjoyable summer.

Support for Google Migration

The University is closing all UConn Google accounts later this summer and transitioning data to Microsoft 365. Staff files have been migrated and their accounts closed. Student email and files are being transferred in June, and their accounts will be closed 60 days later. Faculty file migration will begin in the middle of July.

Moving Files Off Google
Faculty have two options for their file migration:

ITS can move their Google Drive files to OneDrive, or
They can move their files themselves. Institutional data should be stored on Microsoft OneDrive and personal data should be transferred to a non-UConn account (e.g., a personal Google account).

Let ITS know which option you choose by completing the migration form, if you haven’t yet, by June 28^th.

Support for Transition
ITS is offering one-on-one support for faculty. A technician can help you export files, manage files and features that will not migrate, and answer your questions about this change. Book an appointment at https://techsupport.uconn.edu/migration-support/.

Student Housing at UConn Hartford

UConn is expanding its footprint in downtown Hartford with plans to offer 200 beds of student housing in a building on Pratt Street adjacent to bustling businesses, food and entertainment venues. Our new XL Center space for teaching, research, and community engagement is being fitted out now and will be opening this Fall. First-year student deposits are up 15% over last year at the Hartford campus, and it’s great to see this momentum.

UConn Deepening Hartford Roots with Plans for Student Housing - UConn Today

Announcing the Provost’s 2024 Alumni Faculty Excellence Awards - UConn Today

The Office of the Provost is proud to announce the winners of the 2023-2024 Alumni Faculty Excellence Awards. This prestigious recognition honors faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in research, creativity, and teaching. This year, three distinguished faculty members have been selected for their outstanding contributions to the University’s academic and creative reputation.

Faculty Excellence in Research and Creativity- Sciences

Professor Senjie Lin

Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching

Professor Annamaria Csizmadia

Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching

Professor Kari Adamsons

Learn more

UConn’s “Career Everywhere Conference” receives Honorable Mention from the National Associate of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

Career Everywhere aims to ensure that all students have the tools and resources needed for post-graduation success by integrating career development methodology into every facet of a student’s experience.

Through intentionally infusing career development into the UConn experience, Career Everywhere provides access and equity to career development for all students including underrepresented and marginalized populations.

Become a Career Champion

UConn Foundation Wins CASE Circle of Excellence Award

The UConn Foundation won a CASE Circle of Excellence Award for identifying, communicating, and reporting to alumni and donors according to their interest in engaging with the University. UConn Foundation was selected from over 4200 entries in 28 countries. CASE (Council for Advancement & Support of Education) is the primary professional association for Advancement professionals in higher education and independent schools. Globally, they support more than 90,000 educational advancement professionals working in alumni relations, communications, development, marketing, and advancement services. Congratulations to our friends at the UConn Foundation!

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – March 2024

As of this week, more than 58,000 students have applied to UConn for the upcoming academic year for 6,050 available spots across our five undergraduate campuses.  UConn continues to attract a diverse and academically talented first-year class, with 192 valedictorians and salutatorians in the current freshman class. In the month of April the Division of Student Life and Enrollment will host UConn Bound Days, where admitted students will have the opportunity to learn about UConn’s programs and campuses and prepare to make an important decision for their future. Our academic departments, schools and colleges, and student support and student life units are all deeply engaged in this work across our campuses, and I’m grateful for everything our faculty and staff do to welcome prospective students and their families.

Amidst the flurry of meetings and the demanding workload that characterizes this time of year, it's important to remember that this period is also marked by important and engaging events. A testament to this was the recent Distinguished Professor Speaker Series event celebrating newly-appointed Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Doug Casa. He was joined by a panel of his esteemed colleagues Dr. Elaine Lee, Dr. Neal Glaviano, and Dr. Lindsay DiStefano, who are all nothing short of inspiring. We learned about Dr. Casa’s remarkable journey and pioneering work in heat exhaustion, and I highly encourage you to watch the recording available here.

I was also honored to attend the Spring Pow Wow hosted by our Native American Cultural Programs last weekend. The Pow Wow returned for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic. We also had a visit and talk by Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Nation, a UConn alumnus and dynamic member of the Connecticut community. He shared the inspiring history of the Mashantucket Pequot Nation and neighboring nations and reminded us all of the wonderful exhibitions and collections at the Pequot Museum, a rich educational and cultural resource utilized by several faculty in their classes.

We have reached the conclusion of our scheduled budget town halls. The active participation and questions raised during these sessions were invaluable. For those who were unable to attend or wish to revisit the discussions, recordings are available online. Updates about the ongoing budgeting process will continue to be shared as new developments arise. I also want to emphasize the importance of our senate meetings. These gatherings are a cornerstone of shared governance, and the administration shares important updates relevant to our community at every meeting.

Lastly, with the anticipation of summer break and the warmer days ahead, it's crucial to remember the importance of self-care. The culmination of the academic year is indeed our busiest period, filled with deadlines and commitments – multiple colleagues have aptly described this time of year to me recently as a “rollercoaster.” However, it's also a time to celebrate our accomplishments and to rejuvenate. I encourage each of you to give yourself the breaks and grace necessary to navigate successfully through this period.

All best,

Anne

PTR and PR Forums

The Faculty Standards Committee of the University Senate, in collaboration with the Provost’s Office, will host two separate forums on faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment via WebEx on Friday, April 12, 2024. These forums aim to ensure that all faculty members are familiar with the promotion, tenure, and reappointment procedures and expectations at the university. Faculty will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the administration.

Faculty and staff who plan to attend must RSVP to the calendar event for each session by April 10th to attend. Recordings of the programs will be available after April 15th. Please reach out to universitysenate@uconn.edu with any questions.

Reading Days

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and April 28. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows:

Reading Days are protected time for students to prepare for the final exam and assessment period. Instructors shall not require any course-related activity, assessment, or submission of work on Reading Days. Instructors may use Reading Days for optional activities, such as office hours. While an instructor cannot initiate required course-related activity, assessments, or submission of work on Reading Days, instructors have the option to accommodate student requests for required work and/or examinations to be rescheduled for a Reading Day. Reading Days restrictions do not include responsibilities with external placements, such as clinical positions and internships.

Final Exams

Final exams begin on Monday, April 29, and end on Saturday, May 4.

Final in-class examinations may not be given during the last week of classes. Other types of assessments (for example, but not only, portfolios, performances, projects, presentations, etc.) may be due in the last week of classes, but should be clearly delineated on the syllabus from the first week of classes.

Undergraduate students may request rescheduling for an exam through the Dean of Students Office for the Storrs campus or each regional campus student services office, and as early as possible. The reasons for such a request include bunched finals or other extenuating circumstances. Such bunched finals may include final assessments like juried performances for Fine Arts students. A student whose absence is excused by the Dean of Students Office or regional student services staff shall have an opportunity to take a final without penalty. Please consult the Dean of Students website and the Registrar’s website for further details.

HuskyCT integrates with Kaltura

The integration now allows to stream Kaltura videos within HuskyCT. An upgrade by Kaltura is mandatory for Ultra courses. We're updating the integration in preparation for the university-wide transition to Ultra. Next week, we'll begin migrating links to Kaltura videos, starting with inactive courses. Spring 2024 courses will follow after the semester ends. You may notice changes in how Kaltura media appears in your courses, but all links will remain functional. No videos will be lost. Details on the changes can be found at: kb.uconn.edu/space/TL/26724991067

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting Implementation – Survey!

The Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and Office of the Provost are requesting faculty and administrative user input as we transition from HuskyDM to Interfolio FAR. Your feedback will guide the improvements we make to the faculty data collection and reporting processes.

Faculty User Survey Link: https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Y9Tjz6b0IBxn2S

Administrative User Survey Link: https://uconn.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3NMSpzTe9iXtIbQ

The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and will remain open through April 19^th. Your responses will be kept confidential and will only be used to enhance the faculty data management and reporting experience.

3.0 Night!

On February 28, the Student Athlete Success Program and Division of Athletics held their annual 3.0 Night celebration at the UConn Women’s basketball game vs. Villanova. The event recognized student athletes who achieved a 3.0 or better in the Spring ’23 and/or Fall ’23 semesters. We are proud and inspired by our student athletes who display excellence both in their sport, and in the classroom. We are so proud of the work completed by Ellen Tripp, the director of the Student-Athlete Success Program (SASP), as well as all of the counselors and advisors in this unit for the valuable support and academic counseling they provide to our student-athletes.

2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advising Award Nominees

Congratulations to all of our professional staff and faculty advisors who were nominated for the 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advising Awards!

We invite you to join us in recognizing the extraordinary contributions of undergraduate academic advisors in supporting academic success and student development at the 2024 Advising Celebration and Undergraduate Advising Awards, to be held Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Alumni Center.

RSVP here by April 3, 2024

Visit the Advising Awards website to view current and past advising award nominees and award winners.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – January 2024

With the spring semester kicking off a few weeks ago, we welcomed our students back to campus and have already jumped into our routines. While it’s nice to have a break, I enjoy spending time with our community and am glad to see everyone back on our campuses. Earlier this month, I attended an event recognizing Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Richard Pomp and had a wonderful time celebrating his significant accomplishments and impact on his field. Seeing a group of his peers and other distinguished tax law faculty join in recognition of him was inspiring and a highlight of my month. I am excited to continue attending the series of Distinguished Professor events, with the next one taking place in February, as detailed under the Dates & Events section of this newsletter. I invite all faculty, staff and students to join in celebrating our most accomplished faculty.

As you are likely aware, the first of a series of budget town hall meetings was held last week. Many thanks to all those who submitted questions for, and attended, last week’s budget Town Hall. Whether you are faculty or staff, your involvement and awareness of our budgetary priorities are vital to ensuring that we continue to thrive despite the challenges, and I’ve been heartened at the high level of interest in our budget, the budgeting processes, and the upcoming legislative session expressed by faculty and staff over the past few weeks.

To facilitate the involvement of our faculty and staff, senior administrators will continue to provide regular updates on our budget, share relevant information, and encourage open discussions. Details on future town halls and other import budget-related information can be found under the News & Updates section of this newsletter. There are also steps you can take to gather information and participate in the process:

Attend University Senate meetings: I strongly encourage all faculty and staff to prioritize attending University Senate meetings and maintain awareness of the discussions that take place there. All meetings are livestreamed, and the minutes and any presentations or reports are available on the Senate website. The Senate is a primary vehicle for shared governance at the University, and President Maric, myself, and members of the cabinet make frequent presentations there.
Utilize Informative Resources: Our Budget Planning and Institutional Research website provides a wealth of information related to our budget. Similarly, the newly approved University Strategic Plan is intended to set priorities and guide decision-making as we move forward. Familiarize yourself with these resources to stay informed.
Share Ideas and Feedback: Your input matters. If you have innovative ideas or suggestions for cost-saving measures or revenue generation, please don't hesitate to reach out to department heads, deans, or my office at provost@uconn.edu. My leadership team will be hosting office hours at each of our multiple campuses that will be announced soon.

Thank you for your dedication to UConn, and for your commitment to our university’s financial sustainability. This is not an easy time, and we will need to make difficult choices over the next few years. As you know, the budget is not just a balance sheet. It reflects our commitment to academic excellence, research impact, student support, community engagement, and the overall well-being of our university community, including our staff and faculty. Together we can work together to ensure a bright and promising future for UConn, our students, and our state. I look forward to working collaboratively with all of you as we address the budgetary challenges ahead.

Policy on Modified Duties Due to Life Events

The University of Connecticut is committed to fostering an educational community with a flexible and supportive work environment where faculty can thrive in both their professional and personal lives. On December 19, the University approved the Policy on Modified Duties for Faculty Due to Life Events and accompanying procedures. This policy allows a faculty member to request a temporary modification of academic duties in order to respond to an anticipated or unanticipated personal life event or situation.

Guidelines for Retired Faculty Engaged in Ongoing Research, Teaching, and Service

The University values the significant contributions that retired faculty make to the academic mission through their research, teaching, and service. As their relationship to the University or the procedures they follow for particular activities can be complex, guidelines are needed to help academic leadership and retired faculty navigate applicable policies and procedures. View the full Guidelines for Faculty Engaged in Ongoing Research, Teaching or Service here.

Mid-Term Grades Reminder

University Senate By-Laws require that instructors of 1000 and 2000-level courses must submit midterm grades for all students during the mid-semester grading period which spans the sixth through eighth week of the semester (Friday, February 23, 2024 – Friday, March 8, 2024). Instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are highly encouraged to submit mid-semester grades.

Midterm grades can be submitted through the Student Administration system beginning on Monday, February 19, and directions for doing so can be found on the Registrar’s website.

Grading policies: https://registrar.uconn.edu/grades/
Temporary grades: https://registrar.uconn.edu/temporary-grades/

Future of Journals Update

The UConn Library continues to implement the Future of Journals strategy developed in 2020 with the Provost’s Office and a committee of faculty and administrators. Now in its fourth year, we are successfully shifting away from just-in-case collection development practices to a budget sustainable just-in-time approach for providing access to scholarly information. You can learn more about the process and the upcoming non-renewal of Wiley and Taylor & Francis on the library’s blog.

Pop Up Course

Feeling Well: The Science and Practice of Emotional Well Being

Feeling, being, and doing well can be really hard. Both individually and collectively, it can sometimes seem that there are endless barriers that keep us from thriving and feeling our best selves. This 1-credit course explores the science and practice of emotional well-being, defined as how positive an individual feels generally and about life overall. We will define the components to emotional well-being, which include the emotional quality of everyday moments as well as judgments such as life satisfaction, meaning, and goal pursuit. We will explore the interdependence across individuals, communities, and systems that contribute to emotional well-being, and will share effective strategies to enhance emotional well-being.

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls

The Provost’s Office is partnering with Dining Services to pilot a program for faculty to host their office hours in dining halls. We have learned from our students that attending office hours in faculty offices can feel formal and intimidating. We want students to feel comfortable talking to their instructors and provide an opportunity for a more casual interaction to build community between our students and their instructors. We are asking for an initial cohort of instructors who are willing to try this, and are specifically looking for instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level, where students may not get as much direct interaction. Lunch will be provided for the instructor attending.

LEARN MORE (Button to website)

Town Hall Meetings on the Budgets for UConn & UConn Health

A series of town hall meetings have been scheduled for this semester to discuss the budgets for UConn and UConn Health and what actions the University has taken — and plans to take — to address potential projected shortfalls.  The first town hall took place on January 24th, and a link to the recording can be found online. The remaining schedule of events follows:

Virtual Town Hall

Date and Time: February 21, 2024 from 12-1 p.m.
Email to submit questions: Communications@uconn.edu

In-Person/Virtual Town Hall

Date and Time: March 4, 2024 from 12-1 p.m.
Email to submit questions: Communications@uconn.edu

To supplement the information shared during the town halls, our Chief Financial Officer, Jeffrey Geoghegan, and the head of Governmental Relations for UConn, Joann Lombardo, recorded a presentation on the current budget situation and outlook for UConn and UConn Health, as well as a discussion of the fiscal “guard rails” implemented by the state. You can also view a copy of the presentation you will see in the video here.

Other key dates to note (schedules may change):

February 7, 2024: Governor expected to present midterm budget to legislature.
February 14-23, 2024: Legislature holds hearings and deliberations.

Request Academic Analytics Data via BPIR Website

Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research (BPIR) designed a series of data request forms based on the Academic Analytics platform to communicate with department leadership at the University of Connecticut. The purpose of these data request forms is to assist leadership in searching for qualified job candidates, searching for funding resources for students and professors, and identifying prestige awards for outstanding professors. After receiving the search request, BPIR staff will send a confirmation email to the email address provided in the request form. Please allow one to three weeks to process and return the report. Requests can be submitted using the form on this webpage

Faculty Activity Reporting (Interfolio) Implementation

The offices of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and the Provost’s Office are working together to implement Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) module, which will replace HuskyDM as the primary faculty activity data source. In moving to this new system, we aim to create a streamlined location for faculty data to be uploaded and reported to both ease the administrative burden on faculty to maintain their own records and provide academic leadership with robust reporting capabilities.

The implementation team working to roll out this new system is in the process of meeting with key faculty and staff in each academic unit and will be prepared to share a detailed implementation timeline and launch a new webpage to house Interfolio related information in the February issue of the newsletter.

Appointment of Vice Provost for Academic Operations

Dr. Dan Schwartz has been appointed as the Vice Provost for Academic Operations, effective January 12, 2024. Dr. Schwartz has been an integral part of our community since joining UConn in 2010. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to wear many hats and contribute significantly to the university’s academic and research endeavors. In his new role as Vice Provost for Academic Operations, Dr. Schwartz will undoubtedly bring his wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for innovation and entrepreneurship to enhance the overall academic operations of our university.

Envisioning 2034

On December 6th, 2023, UConn's Board of Trustees unanimously adopted the University Strategic Plan, which will go into effect in 2024. Through a process co-chaired by Provost and Executive Vice President Anne D'Alleva and Vice President for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Pamir Alpay, the Steering Committee and Working Groups engaged with over 10,000 members of our community to established shared goals and values to guide the next 10 years. Information on next steps including the roll-out and implementation of the plan are coming soon!

Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series

Beyond Human Nature: A Conversation with Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha

February 27, 2024 @ 4:00pm

Konover Auditorium, Storrs Campus

Lewis Gordon, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and Global Affairs and Bandana Purkayastha, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, will engage in a panel-style discussion on some of the big questions in the humanities in social sciences. They will talk about how their scholarship touches the lives of communities, impactful moments of their careers, and broadly about the many facets of human nature.

This event is open to all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.

Come Get the Tea from CSD

Please join the CSD (Center for Students with Disabilities), over coffee or tea, to learn more about implementing accommodations in your courses and get 1:1 help with features of MyAccess, such as uploading exams. DSPs will be available to talk in a private setting and answer any questions you have. No RSVP needed— drop by the CSD Conference Room on one of the dates listed below:

2/15/24 2:30-4pm STORRS CSD Conference Room

3/22/24 10:30am-12pm STORRS CSD Conference Room

2/7/24 12-2pm HARTFORD Student Services Suite 107

2/6/24 11am-1pm AVERY POINT Branford House Room 313

2/14/24 9am-11am WATERBURY (Virtual)

3/4/24 9:30-11am STAMFORD Room 302D

With the growing number of students with disabilities attending college, the number and complexity of accommodation requests continue to grow. CSD staff are available to, help explain the accommodations process, provide some practical strategies on how to implement accommodations and answer any questions you may have. If you’d like a staff member to attend one of your departmental meetings, please contact csd@uconn.edu to schedule at time.

Spirit Awards: Nominate and Outstanding Colleague

The University of Connecticut established the UConn Spirit Awards to honor staff and faculty at our Storrs and regional campuses for stellar contributions and dedication to the mission and advancement of the University and our core values. The goals of the UConn Spirit Awards are to:

Build community within the University and University departments;
Provide an opportunity for employees to be recognized for their contributions to the University, which are not specifically academic but related to teamwork and civility; and
Create an event that acknowledges the efforts of all employees, especially staff members.

Nominations are being accepted through February 9, 2024.

Nominate a colleague!

Black History Month

Every February, we participate in the annual tradition of Black History Month. Inaugurated in 1926 by “The Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and made into a month-long celebration 50 years later, we use this month to raise awareness about Black and African American contributions to history. We recognize and celebrate the tremendous value these cultures have brought to the world, to our country, and to UConn. Though we believe that these contributions should be celebrated every day of the year, Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on our commitments to anti-racism and to renew our efforts. The African American Cultural Center (AACC) will be hosting the annual Black History Month Opening Ceremony on Thursday, February 1, at 6 p.m. with guest speaker Nia Long. The Closing Ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 29th at 6:00pm and will feature UConn's very own, Dr. Jeffrey Ogbar who will be providing a keynote titled "The Unexpected Genius of Hip-Hop: Innovation, the Arts and the Music Industry”.

Lunar New Year

February 10th marks the start of Lunar New Year 2024, the Year of the Dragon. Lunar New Year has been observed for thousands of years and symbolizes the welcoming of a new beginning and a time of reunion with family and friends. For the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community at UConn, it marks an occasion to celebrate cultural backgrounds, experiences, and identities. On Lunar New Year, we recognize and honor the rich culture, history, and experiences of the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander community.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – February 2024

The spring semester is well underway and as usual our campuses are bustling with activity. The Connecticut General Assembly is also in session and University leaders are meeting regularly with the governor’s office, staff from the Office of Policy and Management, and legislators regarding the budget requests for UConn and UConn Health for the next fiscal year. As always, we are proactively and constructively advocating for the state resources necessary to help us to carry out our mission most effectively and best meet the needs of our students, the State of Connecticut, and society at large.

Under the News & Updates section of this newsletter I’ve included several resources that I strongly encourage faculty, staff, and students to review to learn more about the budget process and to stay engaged as it continues to evolve. President Maric, myself, and other members of the senior leadership team are continuing to hold town halls on UConn’s budget and the legislative session to help inform the UConn community and answer questions. The next town hall meeting will be in person and will take place on Monday, March 4 at the Student Union Theatre in Storrs. I hope to see many of you there. Additional town hall meeting will be held in person during the month of March both in Storrs and at UConn Health in Farmington. We will share the date/time/location information in advance of each.

Earlier this week we hosted another installment of the Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series featuring a discussion with Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors Lewis Gordon and Bandana Purkayastha, moderated by Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Michael Lynch. They were joined by faculty, staff, and students to engage in a wide-ranging exploration of their pursuit of knowledge in the fields of sociology and philosophy, the public impact of their work, and their passion and commitment about their work at a public institution. The recording of this event is available online. I continue to be inspired by the talented and passionate educators and scholars who are part of our UConn community.

I will also be holding a series of office hours with my leadership team to connect with faculty and staff at each of our campuses. I recognize this is a busy time for all of us, and I appreciate any time you are willing to devote to sharing your comments, questions, and ideas with us.

Whether you’re preparing for midterms, working on a research grant, advising our students, planning an end-of-semester event, going about the myriad routine tasks that keep the University running – or all of the above – please accept our sincerest thanks for the work that you do.

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting

The Office of the Provost and the Office of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research are partnering to implement Interfolio’s Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) module, which will replace HuskyDM as UConn’s faculty data system. A webpage has been created to provide routine status updates on the implementation. Updates will continue to be provided through this newsletter and in various other formats throughout the spring, summer and fall semesters, and we encourage you to check in on this webpage for additional information and resources.

In the coming months, the implementation team will continue to work through preliminary system configurations in collaboration with representatives from each School and College. As part of the transition from HuskyDM to FAR, data will be migrated from HuskyDM to the new FAR system. Due to the timing of the transition in proximity to regular reporting cycles for Schools and Colleges (i.e. merit processes, equity requests, etc.), faculty should complete entering data into HuskyDM by June 1, 2024. As of that date, data in HuskyDM will begin migrating into FAR and no new additions after June 1 will be included. Administrators will retain access to pull reports from HuskyDM through June 30th, the end date of the HuskyDM contract. We understand this creates a compressed timeline for some of these annual processes and will support School and Colleges with any data requests as needed.

Two New Pop-up Classes Offered beginning in March

Why the Jews? Confronting Antisemitism - Monday, March 4th - Friday April 26th

Antisemitism has often been described as the “oldest hatred.” Yet the term “antisemitism” is a modern formulation, coined in Germany in the 1870s a badge of pride by German nationalists who feared Jews posed a danger to “true German culture.” Why should the so-called “antisemites” define who or what Jews and Judaism are?  This course will first and foremost introduce students to the diverse nature of Jewish identity, before examining the many manifestations of Jewish hatred throughout history, and the ways in which Jews have attempted to respond to a hatred that refuses to disappear. Learn more

Confronting Anti-Muslim Racism - Monday, March 4 - Friday, April 26, 2024

Despite Islam having almost 2 billion adherents across the globe, Muslims are subjected to damaging stereotypes, oppression, and violence simply because of their identities. Why and how is this the case? This 1-credit course offers an overview of responses to that question, with a specific emphasis on the diversity of Muslim identities, positionalities, and perspectives within the US in global context.  Learn More

Professional Development for Instructors

Faculty members have access to a range of resources aimed at supporting their professional growth and development. These resources include:

Academic Impressions is the premier resource for higher education professionals. Stay ahead in your field with cutting-edge insights, innovative strategies, and best practices. From leadership to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Academic Impressions covers a wide array of topics including faculty success, academic program planning, online education, learning spaces, and conflict resolution. Register now with your UConn credentials to explore the available opportunities at hr.uconn.edu/academic-impressions/.

Top of Form

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity NCFRDD) aids professionals in higher education, from graduate students to administrators, throughout their careers. Register with your UConn credentials to access workshops, webinars, and resources for your professional growth and career advancement. Highlights include the Monday Motivator, 14-Day Writing Challenge, and Faculty Success Program. Accessible via the resource menu at cetl.uconn.edu.

Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) provides programs and resources to enhance teaching skills and academic programs. They offer evidence-based teaching strategies, support curriculum development, integrate technology, and promote innovative classroom practices. CETL experts are ready to assist in engaging and empowering students for success.

UConn Reads: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall

Get ready to dive into UConn Reads 2024, featuring the captivating selection "Braiding Sweetgrass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer! As a botanist and proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer melds the worlds of science and indigenous wisdom, showing us how to view nature as our ultimate teacher. "Braiding Sweetgrass" invites us on a delightful journey towards a harmonious connection with the world around us. This book isn't just a hit—it's a New York Times Bestseller, a Washington Post Bestseller, and a Los Angeles Times Bestseller! Plus, it's been hailed as a “Best Essay Collection of the Decade” by Literary Hub and a favorite summer read of 2020 by Book Riot. Ready to join the adventure? Learn more, including how to get your hands on the book, right here.

UConn’s Age Act Committee

UConn’s Age Act Committee is dedicated to addressing and reviewing concerns related to student access and participation in University programs, services, or activities based on age. For more information about the committee, please visit: https://policy.uconn.edu/2011/12/09/university-of-connecticut-age-act-committee-policy-and-procedures/

If you have any questions or need assistance from the Age Act Committee reach out to: Jennifer Lease Butts Associate Vice Provost for Enrichment Programs and Director, Honors Program Email: Jennifer.Lease@uconn.edu or Vern Granger Director, Office of Undergraduate Admissions Email: Vern.Granger@uconn.edu

Mid-Semester Grades

Instructors teaching 1000 and 2000-level courses are required to submit mid-semester grades for all students between the sixth and eighth week of the semester, from Friday, February 23, 2024, to Friday, March 8, 2024.

While instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are not obligated, they are strongly encouraged to submit mid-semester grades.

You can submit mid-semester grades through the Student Administration system starting Monday, February 19. Instructions for this process are available on the Registrar’s website. 

UConn Budget Information from the Provost

Earlier this month, the governor released his proposed state budget for the next fiscal year and President Maric released a statement detailing the budgetary requests being made by University leadership to support UConn and UConn Health. On February 20th, President Maric, CFO Jeffrey Geoghegan, Interim UConn Health CEO Dr. Bruce Liang, and I testified at the Appropriations Committee hearing along with other university leaders to share information on the funding requests and answer questions about the projected budget shortfalls and their potential impact on the University’s ability to support student success, foster a vibrant and robust academic community, maintain a strong research infrastructure, and continue to provide valuable and needed services to the community. University leaders are talking with legislators regularly in committee and subcommittee hearings as well as in 1:1 meetings to advocate for the requested funding.

It is important that our faculty, staff, and students stay informed on the realities of the budget constraints we face and that we provide an accurate picture of our budget landscape to the community. There have been several virtual town halls held with the UConn community to answer questions and share information about the budget process and current budget outlook. Recordings of those town halls, as well as other informational resources, can be found on the president’s website. The next town hall is scheduled to take place in person on March 4, at 12:00pm in the Student Union Theatre. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to join. Earlier this month Provost D’Alleva submitted a letter to the editor of the Chronicle of Higher Education following a recent story published about our budget that did not accurately capture our outlook. Attendance at University Senate meetings is encouraged as they will feature important budget discussions in the coming months. You can find agendas and streaming information on the Senate website.

Carnegie Elective Classification

The University of Connecticut is one of 40 colleges and universities in the United States to receive the 2024 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement. The designation is determined by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The classification is awarded following a process of self-study by each institution, which is then assessed by a national review committee. UConn’s Office of Outreach and Engagement submitted the application to the Carnegie Foundation last spring.

UConn Among National Leaders in Fullbright U.S. Student Program

The University of Connecticut has been recognized among the top producers of Fulbright U.S. Student Program award recipients for the first time in school history. These results are from U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and were featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education on Tuesday, Feb. 13. UConn had 10 students named to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program in 2023-24, a record-setting number for the school. UConn’s appearance on the list of top producing institutions is the culmination of efforts by staff in the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships (ONSF) and the Office of Experiential Global Learning (EGL), as well as other organizational changes over the years designed to increase support for students seeking Fulbrights.

Provost Distinguished Speaker Series

Bridging the Gap from Storrs to Farmington: Kinesiology Faculty on Cutting Edge of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science 

Join Distinguished Professor Doug Casa along with his collogues Professors Neal Glaviano, Lindsay DiStefano and Elaine Lee in a thoughtful discussion on their scholarship in kinesiology, sports medicine and exercise science on Tuesday, March 26th from 4:00 – 5:30pm in the UConn Health Low Learning Center Auditorium.

This event is open to all faculty, staff, students, and members of the community.

PTR and PR Forums

The Faculty Standards Committee of the University Senate, in collaboration with the Provost’s Office, will host two separate forums on faculty promotion, tenure, and reappointment via WebEx on Friday, April 12, 2024. These forums aim to ensure that all faculty members are familiar with the promotion, tenure, and reappointment procedures and expectations at the university. Faculty will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from the administration.

Reading Days

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and April 28. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows:

Final Exams

Final exams begin on Monday, April 29, and end on Saturday, May 4.

February 23-March 8: Mid-semester grading period

March 4: University Senate

March 4: Budget Town Hall, Student Union Theatre, Storrs @ 12:00pm

March 5: Budget Town Hall, Keller Auditorium, UConn Health, Farmington @ 12:00pm

March 10-March 16: Spring Recess

March 10-April 8: Ramadan

March 23-24: Purim

March 25: Holi

March 26: Provost’s Distinguished Speaker Series Event: Kinesiology Faculty on Cutting Edge of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science Featuring BOT Distinguished Professor Doug Casa

March 31: Easter Sunday

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – November 2023

We are just a few weeks away from the end of the fall 2023 semester, which means we are wrapping up classes with final exams, closing out projects from the semester, and preparing for a well-deserved holiday break. I hope that you all will find time to do things you enjoy, whether it be spending time with loved ones, relaxing and unwinding, or working on projects you didn’t have time for during the semester.

The end of the semester can be a stressful time for students as they take final exams and complete semester-long projects or presentations. UConn offers many resources to help students prepare for success academically and personally in the event you are in a position to help. The Q-Center and W-Center are excellent resources for support with both quantitative classes and writing classes. If your student needs to reschedule an exam, they can work with the Dean of Students office. If they need an accommodation for an exam or final evaluation of any kind, they should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities as soon as possible. Finally, Student Health and Wellness offers many programs and events to help students cope with stress and support their health, from meditation and yoga to pet therapy.

I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention what a stressful and busy time this can be for our staff and faculty. I want to remind you to take care of yourselves and your colleagues. Human Resources recently offered this good advice:

Supporting Yourself

Recognize your limits.

At times, it's important to recognize our limits and understand that we may not always be as efficient as usual - and that's completely okay. The key is to plan accordingly, show ourselves kindness, and ask for support when needed.

Engage in healthy activities.

Basic self-care makes a significant difference during stressful times. Taking breaks while working and connecting with colleagues can help us recharge and stay focused. It is also crucial to find what brings us joy and incorporate it into our daily routine. Whether it's engaging in spiritual practices, meditating, listening to music, or going for a walk, doing things that feel good is essential for our overall well-being.

Find community support.

Attending community events or informal gatherings with friends can be a way to process grief, fear, and other difficult feelings. Sharing our experiences helps to reduce the intensity of our emotional distress. Experiencing empathy and understanding from others helps us know we are not alone.

Move your body.

Additionally, moving our bodies can be a powerful tool for stress relief. When we experience stress, our muscles tend to tense up. Engaging in physical movement, such as stretching or self-massaging, helps release tension and process emotions.

I look forward to seeing you all when we return in the fall and wish you all the best in this holiday season!

Center for Students with Disabilities FAQ

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) oversees accommodations for students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Accommodations are academic adjustments, modifications and/or auxiliary aids and services applied to elements of a student’s postsecondary program to help compensate for the student’s impairment(s) and provide equal access for students with disabilities. If a student is granted an accommodation by the CSD, instructors are legally obligated to provide it. Instructors do have the right to respond to CSD to discuss the accommodation(s) if they believe they are not feasible or will fundamentally alter the class pedagogy or learning objectives. Click here to view a FAQ on the top 10 Accommodations Questions for Instructors to learn more.

If you have questions about meeting a student’s accommodations, call the Disability service Professional (DSP) named on the accommodation letter at 860-486-2020

The CSD also offers daily drop-in opportunities, both in person and on WebEx.

Reading Days

Reading Days are Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, and Thursday, December 14. Per the University Senate By-Laws, the intent of Reading Days is as follows:

While an instructor cannot initiate required course-related activity, assessments, or submission of work on Reading Days, instructors have the option to accommodate student requests for required work and/or examinations to be rescheduled for a Reading Day.

Reading Days restrictions do not include responsibilities with external placements, such as clinical positions and internships.

Final Exams

Final exams begin on Monday, December 11 and end on Sunday, December 17.

In very limited instances, undergraduate students may request rescheduling for an exam. They must make such a request through the Dean of Students Office for the Storrs campus or each regional campus student services office, and as early as possible. The reasons for such a request include “bunched” finals and immediate illness. A student whose absence is excused by the Dean of Students Office or regional student services staff shall have an opportunity to take a final without penalty. Please consult the Dean of Students website and the Registrar’s website for further detail.

***Please note, the above does not apply to the School of Law, School of Medicine, or School of Dental Medicine.***

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls

The Provost’s Office is partnering with Dining Services to continue the program for faculty to host their office hours in dining halls in the spring semester. We have learned from our students that attending office hours in faculty offices can feel formal and intimidating. We want students to feel comfortable talking to their instructors and provide an opportunity for a more casual interaction to build community between our students and their instructors. We are asking for instructors who are willing to participate and are specifically looking for instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level, where students may not get as much direct interaction. Instructors will be provided with lunch.

Contact provost@uconn.edu to get involved.

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting

As you know, UConn has contracted with Interfolio for the Review, Promotion and Tenure (RPT) and Dossier modules which were implemented over the last year. We are excited to announce that we will now be adding Faculty Activity Reporting (FAR) which will replace HuskyDM for faculty activity information storage and reporting. The implementation and roll-out are being managed by the offices of Budget, Planning and Institutional Research and the Provost. The roll-out of FAR will take place late in the spring semester. More information on this implementation and how faculty can get involved will be coming soon.

Winter Weather Reminders

The following guidance applies to all UConn locations except UConn Health, which has its own relevant policies.

How you’ll know UConn’s status:

When we determine it is necessary to cancel or delay classes, or to change business operations at the University, we’ll notify the UConn community as quickly as possible.
When storms occur overnight, we try to make this notification by 5 a.m. Sometimes conditions change rapidly, however, and we might need to adjust decisions about class schedules and business operations on short notice.
The UConnALERT webpage (http://alert.uconn.edu) is the definitive source of information about the University’s operating status.
UConn community members at all locations, excluding UConn Health, can also check the 24-hour emergency closing information number: 860-486-3768.
The University notifies the media about operating changes at UConn’s campuses, but we cannot guarantee that details provided by news outlets represent the most current or complete information.

What stays open, what might change:

If classes are cancelled, this applies to all classes -- including those online.
UConn follows suit if the Governor closes state agencies, releases state employees from work, or restricts road travel due to weather conditions.
Certain essential operations continue despite inclement weather, including public safety, residential and dining services, health services, animal care, facility maintenance, and other critical services.
Decisions about whether to continue or cancel specific services, such as transportation, are made on a case-by-case basis depending on existing conditions and needs.
The Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, UConn Athletics, and other units that sponsor events and activities decide independently whether to continue or cancel their events, and you should contact them directly with questions.

Academic operations:

If the University has not announced a delay or cancellation of classes, faculty are expected to hold their classes as scheduled in the modality originally advertised.
In circumstances when a faculty member determines that they cannot travel safely to campus, the faculty member must notify all students in the class in a timely manner along with their dean and department head.
Faculty must not preemptively cancel class before the University decides and announces whether UConn’s normal schedule will be changed.
Students should contact their professors as soon as possible if they must miss a class or other activity due to weather conditions.
Faculty should respect the decisions of commuting students who decide not to travel to campus or to leave class early to get home safely, and should provide options for them to make up missed work.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – October 2023

I hope this message finds you in good health. I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your dedication to our students during the current conflict. It is through your actions that we foster an environment where students can feel valued, safe, and able to thrive, even in the face of adversity. I would especially like to highlight the work of the Dean of Students Office, Care and Concern, Student Health and Wellness, the Cultural Centers, and our Faith Communities in helping students who have been impacted directly or indirectly by this conflict.

In times of conflict, students often experience heightened stress and anxiety. Your willingness to listen, provide a shoulder to lean on, and offer guidance is invaluable. To continue our collective mission of nurturing the growth and development of our students, I'd like to offer a few best practices that can help us further enhance our support:

Resources: Ensure students are aware of resources available to them, both within and outside the university. This includes counseling services, academic support, and organizations that promote cultural diversity and understanding. This recent message [HYPERLINK] to students highlights some of those resources.
Flexibility: Be mindful of the unique challenges students may face during times of conflict. Flexibility in assignment deadlines, attendance policies, and exam schedules can make a significant difference in their ability to cope.
Empathy and Compassion: Continue to exhibit empathy and compassion when interacting with students. A small gesture of kindness can have a lasting impact on their emotional well-being.
Community-Building: Promote student involvement in clubs, organizations, and forums that foster unity and understanding among diverse communities.
Education: The conflict between Gaza and Israel is marked by numerous historical, cultural, and political complexities. Encourage students to educate themselves about this specific conflict and the region. It is especially effective when our own faculty lead these efforts, as in the panel discussion on November 2.

Lastly, let us always remember the pivotal role of relationships in student success. Research has long shown that the bonds faculty and staff form with students, rooted in trust and care, can be the key to their resilience and growth.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students, and for the positive impact you continue to make. Together, we can make UConn a beacon of hope and understanding in times of uncertainty.

Election Day: Promoting Civic Duty

Election Day is coming up on November 7^th. Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility, and ensuring that all eligible individuals have the opportunity to participate can be immensely empowering. Wherever possible, we encourage instructors to exercise flexibility for students who plan to exercise their right to vote. Consider providing a recording of your lecture, distributing materials for an asynchronous class session, or holding extra office hours in the following week. If you are planning an assessment (i.e. quiz, exam, in-class assignment) to be due that day, consider an extension for those students who are absent.

Faculty Office Hours

Last month, participating faculty began hosting office hours in dining halls, including Ryan Watson, Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development & Family Sciences (Pictured above with students). This program provides faculty and students an opportunity to connect outside the classroom to build community. This is especially helpful for those instructors who are teaching large lectures at the 1000 or 2000 level – where students are likely at the beginning of their UConn journey. Lunch will be provided for the instructor attending, and any students who don’t already have meal plans. Learn more about how to participate.

Academic Impressions

Academic Impressions is a membership organization for faculty, staff and administrative leaders in higher education focused on ensuring all levels of university employees receive professional and leadership development. As a part of UConn’s membership, university leaders can gain access to on-demand and live online learning in crucial areas such as institutional & academic planning, inclusive leadership, student success, and compliance. To learn more about available trainings and educational opportunities, visit their website and reach out to provost@uconn.edu if you or anyone in your unit would like to become more involved.

PRISMATIC Program

Environmental sustainability and student success are top priorities for President Radenka Maric. Students are at the heart of advancing sustainability at UConn by identifying needs and opportunities, designing and executing initiatives, and developing creative solutions.

In recognition of undergraduate students' roles as innovators and catalysts for change, the Office of Undergraduate Research, UConn Research, and the Office of the Provost are excited to announce PRISMATIC – the President’s Research Investment in Sustainability Measures, Actions, Technologies, Initiatives, and Communities. PRISMATIC commits $50,000 to support students’ engagement in sustainability projects through Office of Undergraduate Research funding programs that are open to students at all campuses.

PRISMATIC is intended to support a broad spectrum of experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students. In addition to inquiry projects across the academic disciplines, these OUR funding programs support a diverse range of advocacy, service, design, and community engagement projects that will allow students to pursue knowledge and take action in furtherance of equitable sustainability. For more information, please visit the program webpage.

Update to UConn Email Policy

UConn has regulatory and contractual requirements to ensure that protected information, such as FERPA, HIPAA, PHI, and PHII data, is stored on systems with appropriate safeguards and that it is responsive to freedom of information (FOI) requests and litigation holds. To better meet this, the updated version of the subject policy now explicitly prohibits automated copying or forwarding of institutional emails to non-University accounts. This would include the creation of rules within a university account that copy email on delivery to alternate non-university accounts. Specific emails may still be copied or forwarded individually, but the account holder is responsible for ensuring that content does not violate policy or regulatory/contractual obligations. With respect to forwarding, UConn Health email accounts should be considered university accounts. The new policy can be reviewed at the following location: policy.uconn.edu/2011/05/19/electronic-communication-policy/

This policy went into effect October 1, 2023, and questions or concerns can be directed to ITS.

Updates to the Guide to the State Code of Ethics

Revisions to the policy include the formatting and updating of pronouns throughout the policy, including “Ethics Liaison” in various sections as a resource in addition to the Office of State Ethics, and clarification on restrictions on gifts between supervisors and subordinates. Under the ‘Contracts with the State’ section, revisions include reference to exemption for contracts with a public institution of higher education to support a collaboration to develop and commercialize any invention or discovery. Under the ‘Necessary Expenses’ section, “gifts to the state” was added as acceptable to attend an event that is relevant to your state duties. Lastly, “Confidential Information” language was removed as it is covered in other policies.

View the Policy

Town Hall on Student Fees

This week the following town halls on student fees will be held with University leadership to discuss the university’s proposed student fee rate adjustments for Academic Year 2024-2025.

Monday, October 30, 2023, at 1:00pm (In Person)

Location: Konover Auditorium located in the Dodd Center

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

Monday, October 30, 2023, at 5:00pm (In Person)

Location: Konover Auditorium located in the Dodd Center

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 5:00pm (Virtual)

Livestreamed at: https://ait.uconn.edu/town-hall/

The recording from the Town Hall discussion held virtually on 11/1/23 can be found at: https://bpir.uconn.edu/home/announcements/town-hall-meetings/

Career Everywhere Conference hosted by the Career Center November 3^rd

This year’s conference, titled Enhancing Career Readiness: Equipping Students with Competencies for Post-Graduate Success will focus on best practices in helping students build and articulate NACE’s eight Career Competencies and how faculty can help students Become Career Ready. The eight NACE Career Readiness Competencies were compiled based on research from thousands of companies and organizations across industry lines and are seen widely by employers as critical for student success in the workforce. This is a great opportunity for faculty to learn about the NACE Career Readiness competencies that they are already teaching and how to be more transparent with students regarding these skills employers look for into course materials.

Learn more and register here.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – September 2023

Today, with pride and anticipation, we mark President Maric’s Inauguration Day, which signifies not only the beginning of a new chapter in our university's history but also the embodiment of our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and progress.

An inauguration is a symbolic milestone, a moment in time that represents the fusion of tradition and vision. In wishing President Maric all the best today, we are wishing the best for UConn as well as we move into a future full of hope and promise.

In fact, September has been a month of marking new beginnings by bringing to fruition projects that have been in development for some time. Most important, on Wednesday, the Board of Trustees approved an important set of changes to our university nomenclature: the School of Engineering is now the College of Engineering; the Department of Computer Science and Engineering has become the School of Computing; and the department of Mechanical Engineering has become the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering.

Throughout the approval process, one of the most frequently asked questions has focused on the difference between a school and a college. The key difference lie in scope, scale, and disciplinary norms. A school (Pharmacy, Nursing) has a more specific focus than a college (CLAS, CAHNR), which is wide-ranging and encompasses multiple disciplines. There’s also a question of scale as we look at the size of the undergraduate and graduate student populations, faculty, and staff. And finally, we need to take into account disciplinary norms – as we look across the country, the engineering programs at peer and aspirant institutions like Penn State, Purdue, University of Illinois, and UC Berkeley, are colleges. Schools and colleges are equally important parts of our academic ecosystem – each is valuable and has an essential role to play.

This change will support UConn Engineering as it continues on its trajectory of dynamic growth. Under the leadership of Dean Kazerounian, and with the support of an outstanding faculty and staff, Engineering has created a number of new degree programs; established or expanded internal collaborations with business, the arts, human rights, nursing, and more; and increased research and industry partnerships. As you know, Dean Kazerounian has announced that he will step down from the deanship, and the search has been launched under the guidance of co-chairs Dean Indrajeet Chaubey and Vice President Pamir Alpay. We welcome the participation of the university community in the search process.

And finally, another reminder to participate! The Strategic Planning Steering Committee has launched a survey for faculty, staff, and students. Many thanks to those who attended the recent forums – we had lively discussions that yielded terrific and actionable ideas. We’ll be conducting additional forums and later in the process we’ll share draft initiatives for feedback from the community.

As always, many thanks for your dedication and hard work on behalf of our students and community.

All best wishes,
Anne

Faculty Office Hours in Dining Halls

Where:

McMahon – lunch time 11am-2:15pm
Rome (South) – lunch time 11am-2pm

When:

Mid-October through finals week

Instructors will be provided lunch. Students who do not have meal plans will be able to use a swipe from Dining Services.

Contact provost@uconn.edu to get involved.

Please note this initial pilot will be at the Storrs campus and we are planning to pilot at the Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford and Waterbury Campuses in the spring.

Mid-Term Grades Reminder

University Senate By-Laws were updated in the Spring 2023 semester and now state that instructors of 1000 and 2000-level courses must submit midterm grades for all students during the mid-semester grading period which spans the sixth through eighth week of the semester. Instructors of all other undergraduate and graduate courses are encouraged to submit mid-semester grades.

We are sharing guides here with different options to submit grades to PeopleSoft. Informing your students of their grade or posting mid-term grades in HuskyCT is helpful but posting grades in PeopleSoft is necessary to ensure this information regarding student progress is available to staff at the University who provide academic support. Grades can be submitted beginning on Monday, October 2 through Friday October 20. Instructors can submit grades three different ways into StudentAdmin:

Manually into Student Admin utilizing these instructions
Via an Excel file utilizing these instructions
Via a direct feed from HuskyCT utilizing these instructions

For any instructors who have yet to administer any assessments in their course by which to determine a mid-term grade, now is a good time to administer an assessment to ensure you and your students know how they are progressing in the course and mastering the material.

Finals Opt-Out Reminder

If you are not delivering a final exam in Fall 2023, we ask that you contact your department’s scheduling administrator as exam requirements for classes can now be managed via CourseLeaf Section Scheduler (CLSS). We are asking for those who use another method of assessment (portfolios, projects, etc.) to let us know so that the room and/or time may be available for other instructors during the assessment period. It is also important that instructors recognize that due dates for these alternative forms of final assessment should not fall on days designated as reading days. As always, all due dates should be indicated on the syllabus at the beginning of the semester.

Finally, please note that it is prohibited by Senate By-Laws to give your final assessments during the last week of classes.

Class Absences due to Illness

At this time of year, we would like to remind faculty that students are not required to provide “sick notes” or “medical excuses” when they miss classes, and such excuses should not be requested from them. More generally, per the university Senate By-laws, student grades should not be reduced because of a student’s absence. Please exercise flexibility and understanding for students who may miss class or classwork due to illness. Faculty should also exercise caution in attending class if they are feeling sick. Our community’s health and wellbeing remains a priority of the University.

Emeritus Nomination Reminder

Faculty who retire at the rank of associate professor (or equivalent clinical, in-residence, and extension titles) and who have at least five years of service are automatically recommended for emeritus status to the Board of Trustees. However, faculty or other related staff who retire and do not meet these conditions can only be considered for emeritus status if nominated to the Emeritus Committee. The next deadline for submitting materials to this committee is November 1. Further details, including guidelines for nomination materials, can be found on the Office of the Provost website.

Artificial Intelligence & UConn Updates

The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning continues its support of instructors and students as we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). We are currently engaged in the following efforts:

As part of a two-year research project, UConn is working with Ithaka S+R and a select group of 19 universitiescommitted to making AI "generative" for their campus communities. Together, the partners in the "Making AI Generative for Higher Education" study will assess the immediate and emerging AI applications most likely to impact teaching, learning, and research and explore the long-term needs of institutions, instructors, and scholars as they navigate this environment.
We are planning events and programming opportunities to discuss the emergence of AI and its impact on teaching and learning. These include panel discussions, presentations, and learning communities. We'll also be sending a survey to capture your experiences with AI and your interest in partnering with us in our work. Please watch the weekly "CETL Happenings" announcements for details.
We are updating our AI resources page that was originally shared in January 2023.

Changes to the Electronic (Email) Communication Policy

This policy goes into effect October 1, 2023, and technical controls to prevent automated forwarding will be implemented on or after this date.

UConn Soars in Wall Street Journal National College Rankings

The University of Connecticut is one of the 50 best universities in America, public or private, according to rankings released by The Wall Street Journal.

Ranking highly in affordability, the average time it takes students to earn degrees, and the value a degree adds to graduates’ salaries, UConn was ranked 46^th overall by the Journal, the second highest ranking of any Connecticut school and higher than many peer institutions across the U.S.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – August 2023

I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after a restful summer break. As we gear up for the start of the new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of you. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, I am excited to have each one of you as part of our vibrant university community.

I am excited to meet the class of 2027, who secured a spot amid tight competition in this year’s record high applicant pool of more than 48,800. They join us from all over the world including 92 countries, 43 states, and from every corner of Connecticut. We also welcome over 2,300 new graduate students coming to us from 58 countries and 45 states.

I had the opportunity to meet many of our new undergraduate students during move in. Many thanks to the staff and faculty who volunteered to assist students and families throughout Fall Opening. The atmosphere was happy and positive, and Residential Life couldn’t have done a better job managing an incredibly large scale and complex operation. I was happy to kick off the year with our new students at Convocation. It had to be moved indoors due to weather, but it was fun and festive, and there was a great sense of community in Gampel that night.

Students in the UConn Class of 2027 hold their candles as they sing the alma mater during Convocation at Gampel Pavilion on Aug. 25, 2023. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

Together, we have the unique chance to continue to expand our institution's impact beyond our multiple campuses. We encourage all of you—students, faculty, and staff—to embrace the opportunities that await us. Let us approach this year with a sense of purpose, a willingness to explore new horizons, and a dedication to making a meaningful difference. Whether in the lecture halls, research labs, or the spaces that facilitate our day-to-day interactions, let us strive for excellence in all that we do.

This year in particular holds great promise for us, as we embark on a journey of strategic growth and development. As many of you may know, we have begun engaging in the strategic planning process aimed at shaping the future of our institution. Central to the success of this process is your engagement. We believe that the collective wisdom of our faculty, staff, and students is integral to shaping the future of our university. To this end, we are thrilled to announce that public forums will be held in September, providing an opportunity everyone to actively participate in discussions, share your insights, and help us define our strategic priorities.

As we prepare to embark on this new academic year, I want to express deep gratitude for your continued dedication to our university's mission. Together, we will build a future that honors our past and our traditions while embracing new opportunities for progress.

Once again, welcome back! I look forward to seeing you all as we gather to envision the next chapter of our university's story. Let's seize this opportunity to create, learn, and grow—together.

All best wishes,

Anne

Introducing: Mary Anne Amalaradjou, DEIJ Faculty Fellow

The Provost’s Office is excited to welcome Mary Anne Amalaradjou as the DEIJ Faculty Leadership Fellow for the 2023-2024 Academic Year. In her role, Mary Anne will collaborate closely with key faculty, staff, deans and department heads across campus to advance projects and initiatives with DEIJ as a core priority. We than Mary Anne for her commitment to these principles and are grateful to have her advance these initiatives.

Bio:

Hello, my name is Mary Anne Amalaradjou and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I'm an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut. I received my DVM from India and MS and PhD in Food Microbiology from the University of Connecticut. My research primarily focusses on food safety and gut health. Specifically, it is targeted towards understanding pathogen survival and persistence along the food chain, their virulence attributes and the application of protective cultures to control foodborne pathogens. I also evaluate the efficacy of currently applied intervention (hurdle) technologies to reduce pathogen transmission during pre- and post-harvest processing of fresh produce, meat and dairy products. Beyond controlling pathogens in food systems my research investigates the potential application of probiotics and functional foods in the prevention and treatment of gut pathologies. Through all aspects of the research program, my main objective is to improve food safety and promote public health.  Outside of research and teaching, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation with a strong focus on promoting equity and inclusivity in higher education.

What are you most excited about in this role for the upcoming AY?

As the provost DEIJ fellow, I look forward to working with partners and administrators across UConn in developing and promoting initiatives that support our diverse workforce.  Further, this position will provide me with the continuing opportunity to actively engage with a diverse population at UConn. Since diversity enriches educational experience, encourages critical thinking, helps communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds and fosters mutual respect and teamwork, the yearlong program would help me to not only grow as a faculty but also as a contributing member of the UConn community.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your colleagues regarding DEIJ work?

Shared identity does not necessarily imply shared values or ideals. Hence, while it is important to bring my viewpoints it is more critical to promote the inclusion of those different from mine.

What is your favorite UConn Dairy Bar flavor?

Maple Walnut

Scheduling the Use of Instructional Spaces

In an effort to utilize the university's classroom space as efficiently as possible and to minimize time conflicts for students, departments will be expected to follow the university's policy on the Assignment of Instructional Space when scheduling class meetings in centrally supported classrooms in the CourseLeaf Section Scheduler (CLSS) system, which will be used to build the Spring 2024 term.

When scheduling classes, schedulers for the academic departments should note the following points from the policy:

Standard Schedule: Classes at all campuses, except UConn Health, will conform to the following standard schedule:

Standard Schedule

50 minutes - M W F

75 minutes - Tu/Th

8:00 – 8:50 AM

9:05 – 9:55 AM

10:10 – 11:00 AM

11:15 – 12:05 PM

12:20 – 1:10 PM

1:25 – 2:15 PM

2:30 – 3:20 PM

3:35 – 4:25 PM

4:40 – 5:30 PM

8:00 – 9:15 AM

9:30 – 10:45 AM

11:00 – 12:15 PM

12:30 – 1:45 PM

2:00 – 3:15 PM

3:30 – 4:45 PM

2. Exceptions: On rare occasions, classes with extenuating circumstances may deviate from the standard schedule with the permission of the Dean of the School or College and if applicable, regional campus director, and with the concurrence of the Provost.

3. Department-controlled Learning Space: The appropriate School or College has the authority to assign laboratory space under its jurisdiction, and regional campus directors have the authority to assign all instructional space on their campus.

4. Weekends and Evenings: Classes that begin after 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or after 4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or anytime on Saturdays and Sundays may deviate from the standard schedule.

For administrative and technical questions about CourseLeaf Section Scheduler (CLSS), please contact the Office of the Registrar. Departments with questions about how this policy will impact their class schedule should contact the appropriate Dean’s Designee of their school or college.

New Undergraduate Majors

For students enrolling in the fall of 2023, six new undergraduate majors are available to them as a course of study. These programs are:

Economics of Sustainable Development and Management (BS)
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics (BS)
Applied Data Analysis (BA)
Statistical Data Science (BS)
Data Science and Engineering (BSE)
Financial Technology (BS)

Management Information Systems (BS) has also been renamed Analytics and Information Management (BS).

Faculty Consulting

Faculty members are state employees; this means your participation in outside consulting activity is tightly regulated by state statute. Prior approval through the online request system is required before beginning any activity. All paid activities related to your professional expertise (including grant reviews, talks, and similar academic activities), and unpaid work with faculty affiliated companies, fall within the faculty consulting policy. Consulting is work that you are doing outside of your role as a state employee; further information is provided in other sections of our Faculty Consulting website on limitations related to consulting activity.

We are here to help you understand the process and policies; it is your responsibility to adhere to them. To help you, individual advice is always available. Please see the contact details for UConn (Storrs/regionals) and UConn Health if you need individual assistance. If you have submitted a request and you have limited time before the activity will begin, please reach out for help by emailing sarah.croucher@uconn.edu.

Updates to the Course Action Request (CAR) Form

The Course Action Request (CAR) Form for adding, revising, and deleting courses has been updated to reflect the incoming Common Curriculum (CC) Topics of Inquiry (TOIs).   Please note:

Proposals for new courses can use this form to request consideration for the CC TOIs. Proposers will be asked if they would like the course to be considered for a temporary Content Area under the outgoing system.
All departments received a spreadsheet of current general education courses and have been asked to return it with their plans for transition by November 1, 2023.  Courses that are making a direct transition into the CC (i.e. no major changes that require catalog copy revision) can use the spreadsheet. Only courses with significant revisions that require catalog copy changes need to use the online CAR Form.

For more information on the Common Curriculum, visit our website or contact Karen McDermott.

South Campus Infrastructure Updates

As the summer construction period wraps up the South Campus Infrastructure (SCI) Project has met several key milestones that allows the following to happen starting on August 22, 2023.

Mansfield Road is REOPENED.

Whitney Road Extension has returned to pre-construction condition (one way traffic)

Construction will continue into the fall semester and the overall project will be completed in the Fall of 2025. Portions of the work will be reopened as soon as the work is completed. Construction impacts over the fall semester are as follows.

Gilbert Road CLOSED from Mansfield Road to Whitney Road Extension
Maple Lane and Coventry Road will be CLOSED from Mansfield Road to Lot R starting on August 28, 2023. This closure will remain in place for most of the fall semester.
Lot R will continue to have parking impacts through most of the fall semester. Access to the lot will be via a temporary driveway.

Lot S will continue to have parking impacts through the duration of the project. Parking impacts will start on August 28, 2023. Approximately half of the lot will be offline during this constriction period.
Accessible pedestrian detours will be in place. All pedestrians should follow dedicated walkway and signage.

For more information, contact: Ian Dann at ian.dann@uconn.edu

Faculty Awards & Honors

The Provost’s Office is committed to showcasing and celebrating faculty excellence. As part of this effort, we are continuously collecting details of national and international awards/honors earned by UConn and UConn Health faculty. These faculty and a list of their awards/honors are featured on the Provost’s Office Awards/Honors Searchable Database. New awards/honors listed in the upcoming year will also be honored at a reception in the Spring semester.

We encourage all members of the UConn community to submit their awards/honors to be included in the database, or submit on behalf of a colleague at any time. More information can be found on the Provost’s Office Awards and Honors web page. We are honored to showcase the great achievements of our faculty.

Open Education Supported by the UConn Library

Open education is using learning resources, teaching practices, and education policies that use the flexibility of Open Educational Resources (OER) to provide learners with high quality educational experiences without the cost of purchased instructional materials. Integrating OER can help to alleviate the hidden-cost burden of textbooks and other required instructional materials for students who cannot afford this cost. Click here to learn more or contact Zach Claybaugh at the UConn Library.

The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at UConn Selects Four Presidential M1 Mentorship Program Awardees

The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at UConn, in conjunction with the Office of the Provost, has selected the 2023 Presidential M1 Mentorship Program Awardees. The program aims to create a national model for best practices in the mentorship of underrepresented students and faculty in the sciences, engineering and biomedicine. Click here to read more.

Center for Career Development: “Career Everywhere” Program Receives Honors

The Center for Career Development received an Honorable Mention distinction in the category of Career Services Excellence from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) for their entry entitled “Career Everywhere”. NACE’s Excellence Awards competition is national in scope and recognizes the outstanding achievements of college career services and HR professionals. The entry was judged on program need/objectives, relevance to target market, integration, design, and use of medium, creativity, innovation, measurable outcomes, and ease of replication.

In addition to the national exposure of Career Everywhere, the Career Center has heralded national recognition in the form of presentation requests for the Career Champion program which supports Career Everywhere at UConn. This program builds a community around career planning in support of UConn students by building a critical mass of university faculty, staff, employers, and alumni in an effort to impact every UConn student’s success post-graduation. The infusion of career development into all facets of the UConn experience provides access and equity to career development including underrepresented and marginalized students. As career planning is optional for UConn students, not all students equally understand the significance of this preparation and hearing about the it from faculty and staff increases the chance that students will begin to understand its importance and take action.

This year, staff at the Career Center have been asked to speak nationally about how to build a successful Career Champion program and how the program impacts equity in the career development space at NACE in June, a Career Everywhere conference sponsored by uConnect this summer, and through national webinars and podcasts.

Through a survey administered to faculty and staff this past year, the Career Center has garnered results that demonstrate the increased knowledge of the Career Center offerings, value of referring students to Career Center services and resources, and confidence in providing career advice to students. See the impact of being a Career Champion below:

61% of respondents (career champions) feel more confident in their ability to discuss topics of career with their students.
73% of of respondents now have a better understanding of the resources available to their students through the Career Center
71% of respondents would recommend the Career Champion Program to a colleague.
43% of respondents have a better understanding of the NACE Career Readiness competencies.
54% of respondents can better articulate why being a career champion and having career conversations with students promotes equity in career development.

Additionally, there is a significant difference in how often Career Champions refer students to Career Center resources and in their familiarity with said resources compared to faculty and staff who are not Career Champions. The first chart are select services that faculty and staff refer students to, and the second chart is regarding familiarity with services of the Career Center.

	Champions	Non-Champions	Difference
Career Coaching	65%	22%	43%
Career Fairs	76%	32%	44%
Resume/CV Reviews	67%	37%	40%

	Champions	Non-Champions	Difference
I am familiar with these (Carer Center) resources but do not utilize them	11%	17%	43%
I am not familiar with any of these (Career Center) resources/services offered by the Center	11%	59%	-48%

With over 700 Career Champions, the reach of this community is large, but still only a fraction of faculty and staff have joined. The time commitment is flexible with the reading of a monthly newsletter to keep up with trends, resources, and programs as the only ask. To join we only require that you complete this quick enrollment form. Imagine if the majority of faculty and staff became Career Champions; think about the impact we would have as a community on all students’ post-graduation success.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – July 2023

July has been a month to welcome many visitors to our campuses. It was wonderful to host the 45^th Confratute Conference (in person once again!) at Storrs. I’ve enjoyed running into these passionate educators as they pursue their different conference strands focused on enriched learning and gifted and talented learners. All our campuses are hosting visitors and special events – an engineering conference for high school and college researchers at Avery Point was a recent highlight. Two weeks ago I enjoyed teaching a class for and meeting with a group of students visiting from East China Normal University. They were highly motivated students who embraced the UConn experience – from classes across a variety of subjects to field trips to the Dairy Bar.

Across our campuses we’ve shifted into high gear as we prepare for the upcoming academic year. Renovation projects are moving apace, new faculty are beginning to arrive, and the first students will start returning for Marching Band Camp and early orientations in just a couple of weeks.

As we engage in this summer work of preparation and renewal, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of our professional staff to our university. Our staff, from administrators to support personnel, work diligently to ensure the smooth functioning of our university. They are the pillars that uphold our operations – running programs, maintaining campus facilities, and providing essential services that enhance the overall experience for our UConn community.

Beyond their essential responsibilities, so many of our staff go above and beyond to create a welcoming and nurturing environment for our students. They support our students' academic journey, offer guidance, and foster a sense of belonging that enables them to thrive. When I was Dean of the School of Fine Arts, we often asked our graduating students about the person who had had the most impact on them. As often as students named a faculty member, they named a staff member, and they frequently shared sincere gratitude for the support they received from a kind and dedicated person who helped solve a problem or cheered them on through challenges.

So, as we take a deep breath and get ready to begin the new semester, let me share a heartfelt thank you to the staff who do so much to contribute to the University’s success! I’ll ask our students and faculty to take an extra moment when they come back to campus to join me in thanking a staff person who has made a difference for them.

All best wishes,

Anne

Syllabi Updates for Fall 2023

This past year, UConn has made two significant policy changes that have impact to our students. We request that you update your syllabi to reflect the below policies that students should be aware of. All syllabi reference link information can be found on the Provost’s website.

Academic Integrity

Effective August 28, 2023 the UConn has revised its Academic Integrity policy for Graduate and Undergraduate Students to ensure compliance with current regulations and best practices. This revision reflects our ongoing commitment to providing an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all our students.

The updated policy can be accessed on the Policy website and contains the specific changes and additions that have been made.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence

Effective July 11, 2023, UConn approved the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence. This policy includes sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, stalking, complicity, retaliation and inappropriate amorous relationships and applies to students, employees, contractors, vendors, visitors, guests and other third parties.

HuskyCT Personalization Options: Pronouns and Name Pronunciation

Students, faculty, and staff may personalize their profile in HuskyCT to include preferred pronouns, name pronunciation (audio) and phonetic spelling of a name. These profile personalization features are always displayed alongside a person’s name card and almost everywhere in the system that a person’s avatar can be seen. Particularly, clicking on someone’s name card in course view, assessments, the roster and gradebook, communication tools, and all groups, will allow users to see phonetic name spellings, a playback of a person’s name pronounced correctly, and personal preferred pronouns. Click here to learn more about how to access personal customizations in HuskyCT.

Sign-up to participate in Fall Opening

Fall Opening is an opportunity for us to showcase to our new and returning students and their families the vibrant and diverse community that makes up UConn. Many of our staff work tirelessly all year to plan for a smooth, efficient, and welcoming move-in process, and your time and energy to support the success of the weekend is greatly appreciated. Building a sense of community and belonging among our new and returning students is essential to their success.

Leaders in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other areas will be seeking both required and voluntary participation during Fall Opening, beginning as soon as August 18, for early arrivals, through the busy period of move-in between Thursday, August 24 – Sunday, August 27. Assignments will primarily involve greeting students with a welcoming smile, providing directions at parking lots or information tents, and otherwise spreading the goodwill and Husky spirit that we know makes our community special.

New Associate Dean and Department Head Orientation

Each year, the Office of the Provost holds an orientation session for newly appointed deans and department heads. This session is held prior to the start of the academic year and occasionally in January for newly appointed academic leadership hired outside of the usual hiring cycle. The Fall 2023 orientation session will take place virtually on Thursday, August 24th from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. New Associate Deans and Department Heads should RSVP by August 17th and email a headshot to michelle.everard@uconn.edu. Topics for the orientation include an overview of the role, University policy, and campus resources; the agenda will be sent to participants to RSVP in advance of the orientation.

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – May 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Celebrating Promotion and Tenure of 91 Faculty

Faculty Consulting Reminder

Scholastic Standing and Dismissal By-Law Change to Effective Fall 2024

Transition of HuskyCT Courses from OCV to UCV in Blackboard

NEWS & UPDATES

Ji-Cheng ‘JC’ Zhao Named Dean of College of Engineering

Deanna Fitzgerald Named Dean of School of Fine Arts

Leslie Shor Appointed Vice Provost & Dean for Graduate Education

Fany Hannon Appointed Dean of Students

CETL Leadership Update

UConn ID Template to Change

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

Nora Berrah Elected to National Academy of Sciences

Provost’s Outstanding Service Awards

Provost’s Awards for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship

2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Awards

UConn Students Earn NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

Faculty Salary Adjustment Requests

Reminder: Transitioning from HuskyDM to Interfolio FAR

New Faculty Orientation & New Associate Dean/Department Head Orientation

DATES

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – June 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

2023-2024 Board of Trustees Distinguished Professors Announced

Morgaen Donaldson reappointed to the Philip E. Austin Chair

Academic Impressions

NEWS & UPDATES

Support for Google Migration

Student Housing at UConn Hartford

Disbursements

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

Announcing the Provost’s 2024 Alumni Faculty Excellence Awards - UConn Today

UConn’s “Career Everywhere Conference” receives Honorable Mention from the National Associate of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

DATES

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – March 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

New Motions Passed by University Senate

PTR and PR Forums

Reading Days

Final Exams

NEWS & UPDATES

HuskyCT integrates with Kaltura

Interfolio Faculty Activity Reporting Implementation – Survey!

Reminder: Red Folder

Take a Field Trip!

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

Record Setting HUSKIES!

3.0 Night!

IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

Celebrating Graduates and Professional Students

2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Advising Award Nominees

Staff Technology Day is June 4th!

Office Hours with Provost D’Alleva

DATES

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – January 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

NEWS & UPDATES

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

DATES

Office of the Provost

Provost’s Office Monthly – February 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

NEWS & UPDATES

EXCELLENCE ALWAYS

IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & EVENTS

DATES

Office of the Provost

Staff Technology Day is June 4^th!

Career Everywhere Conference hosted by the Career Center November 3^rd